Andy Butler: Walsall appeal skipper's red card at Leyton Orient

Walsall have appealed Andy Butler's red card in Saturday's 1-1 draw at League One leaders Leyton Orient.

Butler faces a statutory three-game ban for his 17th-minute challenge on Romain Vincelot, having been handed a straight red card by referee Graham Scott.

"I didn't think it was a free-kick, never mind a sending off," Saddlers boss Dean Smith told BBC WM.

"But we're appealing and hopefully we'll still have Andy Butler available for our next match."

After going a goal down following Butler's dismissal, the Saddlers battled back to draw, ending the only remaining 100% record in the Football League. But Smith still wants to see Butler's offence overturned.

"I like Graham as a referee," said Smith. "But I think he's got that one wrong.

"It never helps when it's right in front of the dug-out and arms can go up and stuff like that.

"But I don't know what the ref has seen. All I've seen is a fair tackle."

After picking up the fourth red card in his three years at Walsall, Butler stands to miss the home games against Bradford City and Stevenage, either side of the trip to Colchester.